The Feminist Encyclopedia of German Literature

Today, a multiplicity of feminist approaches has become an integral part of the fields of German literary and cultural studies. This reference sythesizes the wealth of feminist scholarship in German studies. The volume contains topical entries and covers the role of women in German literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. Included are alphabetically arranged entries on more than 500 topics. While some entries are provided for important women writers and other individuals, the bulk of the volume provides information on literary periods, epochs and genres; critical approaches and theories; female stereotypes; laws and historical developments; literary concepts and themes; and organizations and archives relevant to women and women’s studies. Each entry includes a brief identification of the subject, a discussion of feminist thought on the topic and a brief bibliography. Entries reflect a range of critical/theoretical approaches.